The Château de la Baume, in the commune of Prinsuéjols in the heart of the Aubrac, keeps its secrets well hidden. The austere château of the Barons of Peyre, built in the 17th century and extended in the early 18th century, boasts an interior décor of rare elegance right in the heart of the Gévaudan.
A brief history of Gévaudan
In the Middle Ages, the barony of Peyre was one of the most powerful in the Gévaudan region. As their fortified castle had been destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the lords of Peyre, Antoine de Grolée and his wife Marguerite de Soulatges, decided in 1630 to build the Château de la Baume and to transfer the seat of the barony there. Owned by the de Las Cases family for two hundred years, the Château de la Baume, which is inhabited all year round, has been listed as a historic monument since 1973. And a tour of the château holds many surprises. The tour begins in the older part, the north wing, which houses the château’s largest room: a 120 m² billiard room. It then passes through a series of rooms, including a dining room – rather rare for the period – and César de Grolée’s study. Having inherited the estate, César de Grolée commissioned local craftsmen to decorate the château before embarking on the extension works that now form the south wing.
An original frame
Built in 1710, this section features a magnificent series of rooms, a miniature replica of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. On this occasion, César de Grolée entrusted the decoration to artists from Montpellier and Paris. And certain doors bearing the effigy of the Sun King, as well as wooden partitions, were even crafted in the workshops at Versailles.
Set against a lavish backdrop of furniture, Aubusson tapestries and Flemish paintings, every room is adorned with French-style ceilings and intricately patterned parquet flooring. Whether in the style of Louis XIII or Louis XIV, each room has its own distinct character. Thanks to an ingenious ventilation system, all the furniture and décor – including gilding, trompe-l’œil frescoes and coats of arms – have stood the test of time without needing restoration. The tour concludes with a visit to the palatine chapel, which the lords could access directly via the balcony. And for those who wish, it can be extended at your leisure into the grounds, bordered by magnificent outbuildings where you can also enjoy a stay in a guest room.
A wealth of history
Featuring a more understated, Empire-style décor, a room in the south wing houses memorabilia that once belonged to Emmanuel de Las Cases, Grand Chamberlain to Emperor Napoleon I and author of the *Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène*. On display are antique books, porcelain from the royal workshops, and even a lock of hair that once belonged to the Emperor himself!
The Las Cases family has also left its mark on political life in the Lozère region. Deeply attached to La Baume – sometimes nicknamed ‘the little Versailles of Gévaudan’ – François de Las Cases remarks: ‘This place has always been an open community, playing an important role in local political and cultural life. Offering guided tours of the château continues a tradition, providing visitors with an insight into the history of interior design, from the rustic style right through to the Empire style.”
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Thematics
